Assessment of Fruit Waste as Feed Additives in Aquafeed for Growth Performance and Health Benefits of Fishes Under Biofloc Technology

Abstract

The rising demand for fish and crustacean products has placed significant pressure on traditional aquaculture practices, which are increasingly unsustainable. Utilizing fruit waste as a feed ingredient in biofloc systems presents a promising solution for enhancing the sustainability and cost-efficiency of fish farming. Studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of fruit waste into aquafeed improves growth performance, feed utilization, and health outcomes in aquatic animals. This practice also addresses waste management issues and reduces dependency on conventional feed ingredients, which are becoming more expensive. However, factors such as the availability sustainability and scalability of fruit waste, remain important considerations. Research has shown that fish and crustacean fed diets supplemented with fruit waste exhibit superior growth, survival rates, and health compared to those on conventional diets. The highest weight gain and specific growth rates were observed in those fishes, with normal liver and intestinal histopathology. Additionally, fruit waste diets significantly enhanced hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, red blood cells, and white blood cells, leading to improved immune responses and resilience during stress.